[Cannabinoid Drugs in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders - Data from the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices]. / Cannabisarzneimittel in der Behandlung psychischer Störungen ­ Befunde aus der Cannabis-Begleiterhebung des Bundesinstituts für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Since 2017 physicians in Germany can prescribe cannabis based medicines or medical cannabis with subsequent funding by the statutory health insurance system. METHODS: Physicians prescribing cannabinoid drugs were legally required to take part in a survey conducted by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. This study analyses data from 16.809 case reports that were collected from 30.3.2017 to 31.12.2021. RESULTS: There were 5582 cases documenting the use of cannabinoid drugs in psychiatric disorders. More than half of the prescriptions were Dronabinol. 80% of the treatments concerned somatoform disorders. Most of the treatments for other psychiatric disorders also targeted pain. Doctors reported a positive effect on symptoms in at least 75% of the cases. DISCUSSION: Most patients with psychiatric disorders received cannabinoid drugs for pain. The evidence from randomized controlled clinical trials for the use of cannabinoid drugs in psychiatric indications is weak.